Scott Parker’s side denied a famous point against the champions in controversial fashion after a heroic defensive display.
A controversial stoppage-time penalty, coolly converted by Mohamed Salah, shattered Burnley’s resolve and handed Liverpool a dramatic 1-0 victory at Turf Moor on Saturday, breaking the hearts of the battling Clarets.
For over 90 minutes, Burnley executed a near-perfect defensive plan, frustrating the reigning champions and looking certain to secure a hard-earned and crucial point. However, the cruel twist came deep into added time when substitute Hannibal Mejbri was adjudged to have handled the ball from a Liverpool cross.
Salah stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, firing past Martin Dúbravka to snatch all three points for Arne Slot’s side and extend Burnley’s difficult start to the season.
The loss was compounded by a late red card for midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, who received a second yellow card in the closing minutes, leaving the ten-men Clarets to face a frantic final onslaught that ultimately proved too much.
The result means Scott Parker loses his unbeaten home record in the most painful fashion imaginable. Despite now having lost three of their first four games, Burnley’s performances, particularly this defiant display against the champions, have shown promise that their efforts will soon be rewarded.
The Clarets were forced into changes, with Jacob Bruun Larsen missing out due to a knock. Josh Laurent came into the side, while summer signing Loum Tchaouna was handed his first league start.
Burnley’s game plan was clear from the outset: defend resolutely and threaten on the counter-attack. The strategy worked superbly for large periods, with the back line of Maxime Esteve, Hjalmar Ekdal, and Josh Laurent—deployed in a surprising back-three role—standing firm against relentless Liverpool pressure.
The visitors created chances, with Ibrahima Konaté missing a gaping opportunity from close range, but found Dúbravka and a determined Clarets defense in stubborn form. At the other end, Jaidon Anthony fired narrowly over in a rare first-half chance for the home side.
As the game wore on, Liverpool’s pressure intensified, but Burnley’s resistance seemed set to be the story of the day until the final, decisive moment of drama. The penalty decision by referee Michael Oliver left the home crowd stunned and the players dejected, as a performance full of heart, discipline, and courage was left with nothing to show for it.
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